Oral Health Problems to be Aware of If You Have Diabetes

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Did you know that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of getting tooth and gum disease than those with regular glucose levels? This is because of their lowered resistance to infections and because they do not heal easily.

 

Those who have diabetes need to pay extra attention to their oral health on top of controlling their blood glucose levels. If you are diabetic, you should definitely visit your dentist more regularly and ask for advice on how you can keep your gums and teeth really healthy.

 

The first signs of diabetes can occur in your mouth, so you have to pay attention to your oral health, as that can help with early diagnosis and timely treatment. Some of the most common oral health issues that affect diabetic patients include:

  • Periodontal or gum disease
  • Gum abscess
  • Thrush and other fungal infections
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Dry/Burning mouth
  • Taste Disturbances

 

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND DIABETES

Periodontal or gum disease is the result of an infection that destroys the bone that supports your teeth.  The bone connects your teeth to the jawbone, allowing you to eat food with ease.

 

Dental plaque from bacteria and food debris cause gum disease. If plaque is left on the teeth and gums for some time, it hardens and forms a tartar or calculus. These irritate the gums around your teeth, making them red and swollen and sometimes causing them to bleed.  As this gum problem worsens, more bone is lost and teeth may fall out when they become too loose.

 

This oral health problem is more common in diabetic people who have irregular blood glucose levels. To help prevent gum disease, it is important that you take care of your oral health by visiting your dentist often and controlling your blood sugar levels.

 

TOOTH DECAY AND DIABETES

Because of their increased blood glucose levels, diabetic patients have more glucose in their saliva and noticeably dry mouths. These all contribute to dental plaque buildup on your teeth, which ultimately leads to cavities and tooth decay.

 

Dental plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth and gums twice daily and using dental floss to clean between your teeth. Doing these good oral habits can help you prevent cavities and gum disease, as well.

 

THRUSH AND DIABETES

Oral thrush or candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans which are naturally in the mouth. High glucose in saliva, dry mouth, and poor resistance to infection, which are all caused by diabetes, can also contribute to oral thrush.

 

Oral thrush causes red or white patches on the tissue which result to ulcers and discomfort. Optimal blood glucose levels and good oral hygiene are important in treating oral thrush. Your dentist can treat this with antifungal medications if required.


 

Dental Health Month in Focus: Three of the Most Common Dental Health Conditions Across Canada

As April is Dental Health Month across the country, we thought we’d provide a series of posts detailing the current climate of dental care in Canada. This first post looks into the three most common dental health conditions suffered across Canada. For Canadians across the country, this information could help prevent oral health issues and ensure comfort during future dentist visits.

1. Gum Disease

As a dental condition, gum disease is difficult to self-measure as it varies in severity from person-to-person. What we do know is that 70% of Canadians will suffer from gum disease at some point in their lifetimes, according to the latest data. This means that there’s still a lot of work to be completed in educating patients on the most important ways to prevent gum disease. Often brushing and flossing twice a day can offer the best defense against this pervasive problem.

2. Oral Cancer

The latest data from 2014 suggest that over 4,300 Canadians were diagnosed with the condition by their oral health specialist. While this makes the problem relatively rare compared to other conditions, it’s one of the most serious in terms of prognosis. We know that tobacco and alcohol consumption are leading risk factors for oral cancer, and Canadians can cut their cancer risks significantly by eliminating or reducing these two habits from their lifestyle. Why not make Dental Health Month your time to quit?

3. Tooth Decay

Not only is tooth decay the most prevalent dental condition in Canada, it’s also one of the most prevalent of all medical and dental conditions, only surpassed in incidence by the common cold. Tooth decay occurs when plaque combines with the sugars and starches of the food we eat. This produces acids which then attack the enamel. By working with their dentist and by committing to their oral health regimen, Canadians can protect their teeth against the many dangers of decay.

By recognizing the leading oral health conditions within our country, we can take preventive steps to resolving them and ensuring effective treatment for the long-term. To learn more, speak with one of our experts directly today!